Debbie Ritter-Williams

Debbie Ritter-Williams is an accomplished Assistant Teaching Professor with a rich academic and professional background, rooted in her education from Arizona State University-West in Glendale, AZ. Her teaching portfolio prominently features the UNI Success By Design courses, where she passionately dedicates herself to empowering students and nurturing their personal and academic growth. Her commitment to education is evident in her dynamic approach to teaching, which is informed by her extensive experience in both higher education and corporate training environments. Ritter-Williams has held a variety of leadership roles throughout her career, including positions as a writing coach, research fellow, and full-time faculty member. These roles have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape, allowing her to effectively address the diverse needs of students and faculty alike. Her research interests are centered on higher education, with a particular focus on the experiences of students and faculty, a field in which she has made significant contributions. Her scholarly work includes studies on adult student retention, the influence of meditation on critical thinking skills, the nuances of online learning experiences, and the phenomenon of faculty victimization. These research endeavors have not only enriched her teaching practice but have also contributed valuable insights to the academic community. Her findings have been widely disseminated through publications in various academic journals, textbooks, and handbooks, underscoring her role as a thought leader in her field. In addition to her teaching and research activities, Ritter-Williams is actively involved in several professional organizations related to education, research, and training. Her membership in these organizations reflects her commitment to staying at the forefront of educational innovation and her dedication to continuous professional development. Through these affiliations, she engages with a network of like-minded professionals, contributing to and drawing from a collective pool of knowledge and expertise. Ritter-Williams's work is characterized by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education. She is driven by a desire to create learning environments that are not only intellectually stimulating but also supportive and inclusive. Her approach is holistic, considering the academic, emotional, and social dimensions of student and faculty experiences. This philosophy is evident in her teaching methods, which are designed to foster critical thinking, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. Her contributions to the field of higher education extend beyond the classroom, as she actively participates in initiatives aimed at improving educational practices and policies. Through her research, teaching, and professional engagements, Debbie Ritter-Williams continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of her students and colleagues, embodying the values of excellence and innovation in education.